Council Considers Tempe Multifamily Project

National community revitalization leader Gorman & Company is moving ahead with plans for the 50-unit Valor on 8th project in Tempe.

Plans for the 110KSF, 1.4-acre site near Rural Road and 8th Street were approved by the city’s Development Review Commission last month. The project now goes to city council for two public hearings, one on Jan. 28 and the second on Feb. 11.

Gorman’s application was submitted in partnership with the City of Tempe and Save the Family Foundation. Some of Gorman’s other Arizona projects have included Gracie’s Village in Tempe, Escobedo at Verde Vista in Mesa and Glendale Enterprise Lofts in Glendale.

Target residents at the Valor on 8th will be female veterans and their families.

In addition to the residential units, Save the Family will offer an array of services on-site, including after school programs, training in financial literacy, computer and job skills, and case management. There will a resident service coordinator and after school child care provider on staff.

Currently occupied by surface parking lots, the development will have 15 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom, 16 three-bedroom and five two-bedroom live-work units. Also on site will be a leasing office, multi-purpose room and amenity spaces.

The site was chosen due to its under-utilized status and proximity to the Rural Road/ASU light rail station, multiple bus stops and Arizona State University campus. Gorman’s stated goal for the project is to further energize the area by establishing a mix of high-density living and work spaces.

The five-story building design seeks to balance contemporary and traditional elements. The primary visual element will be painted stucco in desert colors, with brick veneer, porcelain cladding and metal roofing accents. Landscaping will create a, “Park and resort-like feel,” for residents and their guests and will feature orange, cypress and elm trees as well as a variety of shrubs and ground cover.